Portuguese-style Baked Beans

Portuguese-style Baked Beans Recipe with Linguiça and Bacon

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Portuguese-style Baked Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines navy white pea beans with linguiça, bacon, onions, and tomatoes. This dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and is perfect for a cozy family meal.

History

Portuguese-style Baked Beans has its roots in traditional Portuguese cooking, where beans are a common ingredient in many dishes. The addition of linguiça, a smoked Portuguese sausage, gives this dish a unique and savory flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of navy white pea beans
0.75 to 1 lb (454 g) of linguiça
0.25 lb (113 g) of bacon (cut up small)
16 oz (454 g) can of tomatoes
2 large onions
0.5 tsp of baking powder
salt and pepper to taste.

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight.
The next day, pre-boil the beans for approximately 30 minutes.
Chop the onions and linguica into small pieces. Also, chop the tomatoes.
After pre-boiling the beans, drain them and save the water.
In a large bowl, mix together the beans, linguica, onions, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and bacon.
Set aside a couple of strips of bacon for later use.
Transfer the mixture to a heavy metal pot or bean pot. Pour enough of the reserved bean water to cover the mixture.
Cover the pot and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 1.75 hours. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 0.5 hour.
If the mixture dries out during baking, add more bean water.

Variations

Add chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.
Use chorizo or another type of sausage instead of linguiça for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures that they cook evenly.

- Pre-boiling the beans before baking helps to soften them and ensures that they are fully cooked.

- Adding reserved bean water during baking helps to keep the dish moist and flavorful.

- Covering the pot during baking helps to trap in the heat and cook the beans evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Portuguese-style Baked Beans can be served as a main dish with crusty bread or as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the beans in a covered pot helps to infuse the flavors and ensures that the beans are cooked evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cannellini beans or pinto beans instead of navy white pea beans.

- Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon instead of pork bacon.

Make Ahead Tips

Portuguese-style Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Portuguese-style Baked Beans in individual bowls garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Portuguese-style Baked Beans with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Portuguese-style Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Portuguese-style Baked Beans contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Portuguese-style Baked Beans contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Portuguese-style Baked Beans contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Portuguese-style Baked Beans contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Portuguese-style Baked Beans is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Portuguese-style Baked Beans contains pork (bacon) and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Portuguese-style Baked Beans is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in calories.

Summary

Portuguese-style Baked Beans is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal. With its hearty beans, savory sausage, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Portugal. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had passed down many recipes to me, but this one was different. It was a recipe for Portuguese-style Baked Beans, a dish that was not commonly made in our village.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was walking through the market, picking out fresh vegetables and fruits for dinner, when I stumbled upon an old book at a small stall. The book was filled with handwritten recipes, some faded with age and others written in beautiful cursive. As I flipped through the pages, one recipe caught my eye - Portuguese-style Baked Beans.

I couldn't believe my luck. This was a dish I had never tasted before, but I knew I had to try it. I purchased the book from the stall owner and rushed home to tell my grandmother about my discovery.

When I showed her the recipe, her eyes lit up with excitement. She explained to me that this dish was a traditional Portuguese recipe that had been passed down through generations. She told me stories of her mother and grandmother making it for special occasions, and how it was always a hit with everyone who tried it.

Together, we gathered the ingredients - dried beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices - and set to work in the kitchen. As we cooked, my grandmother shared the history of the dish with me, explaining how each ingredient was chosen for its flavor and how the dish was meant to be shared with loved ones.

After hours of simmering on the stove, the Portuguese-style Baked Beans were finally ready. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product. My grandmother served up a steaming bowl of beans, topped with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to another time and place. The flavors were rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and onions. The beans were tender and creamy, and each bite was a burst of comfort and warmth.

From that day on, Portuguese-style Baked Beans became a regular dish in our household. I would make it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and it quickly became a favorite among my family and friends. I would often share the recipe with others, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to anyone who was willing to try it.

Over the years, I have made some adaptations to the original recipe, adding my own twist with different spices or vegetables. But the heart of the dish remains the same - a comforting, nourishing meal that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in the market when I found the recipe for Portuguese-style Baked Beans, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for my grandmother, who passed down her love of cooking to me, and gratitude for the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones we love. The memory of finding this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and create lasting traditions for the future.